Sardinha, 30, was hitting .254 with four home runs and 20 runs batted in over 38 games for Lehigh Valley. He has batted .323 (10-for-31, 16 RBI) with runners in scoring position.

To make room for Sardinha on the 25-man roster, righthander Scott Mathieson was designated for assignment. Mathieson, who was recalled yesterday, appeared in last night’s game for the Phillies, his only major league appearance this season.

According to a tweet from Todd Zolecki, the reason for the move was because Carlos Ruiz did not hit the disabled list and Mathieson has more “flexibility.” It’s unfortunate because everyone was looking forward to seeing what Mathieson had to offer for the long term, but with the head injury to Carlos Ruiz, the low man had to be moved.

For today’s game, Carlos Ruiz isn’t even in the building. The Phillies will play with 24 players as of right now because Ruiz was “spaced out” according to a tweet from Gelb. Let’s hope Ruiz gets well soon and Mathieson remains with the organization.

UPDATE, 3:45 p.m.: From what it seems, Scott Mathieson will not be going anywhere. The Phillies used a little known waiver rule to keep him around. Mathieson is not eligible to be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley without first going through waivers. The pitcher was placed on optional waivers meaning that players who are 3-plus years removed from their first Major League appearance AND still have minor league options fall under this category. Hard to figure, I know.

In the end, they likely won’t lose him because the Phillies can pull him off of waivers if someone were to claim him. More coming, if we can figure it all out…

Huh? What’s the big deal? With the uncertainty of when Ruiz will be fully recovered, the team needed a backup catcher. It was a logical move for the team to aquire the contract of Dane Sardinha. Mathieson had his cup of coffee and needs to go back to the minors (Phillies’ farm?)and further refine his off speed pitches (if he has any) and instead of total reliance on a hittable fastball (especially ones over the middle of the plate as he did last night).

He was sent down as he was the only guy the Phils had on the 25 man roster they could send down (with this loophole) as an EMERGENCY CATCHER was needed, no other reason. Why are some people here getting all upset?

The Phils don’t have a 3rd catcher or emergency catcher therefore one had to be called up.

Paul Hoover was just coming back from an injury for the Pigs. I am not that high on Sardinha. Is he really better than Gosewisch?

As for Mathieson, his appearance demonstrated that control was keeping him at Lehigh Valley until now.

I am all for designating Dobbs, even though I used to be a fan of his. I am sure Tracy can do just as well.

Baez is hardly going anywhere soon. I just don’t see them admitting a mistake and cutting him loose yet. At some point, when everyone is back and functioning, Herndon is going to be offered back to the west coast, and I bet he squeaks through and lands with the Iron Pigs.